Every child in our state should have the opportunity to thrive: a quality education supported by parents and community from cradle to career; enough healthy food to eat each day; and access to comprehensive, affordable health care that optimizes their well-being.

When we raise our voices together, we build the power to protect kids and build a healthy future.

Have a Heart for Kids Day brought hundreds of advocates for children to the State Capitol on Friday, January 27. Children’s Alliance members brought their voices, their values and their hope to state lawmakers who are making important choices in the days and weeks ahead. To see photos from the day, click here.

When a bill is passed, usually regulations are written to spell out how the different parts of the law will be put into practice. You don’t have to be an expert to have a say in this part of the process. You just need to know where to find information and how to be involved.

For Washington to thrive, all of our children must thrive. That's why Children's Alliance partners with parents and other community leaders to push for public investments in key areas of child well-being.

This year, by opening the doors of power in Olympia to parents and advocates from across the state, we achieved two historic victories.

High quality early learning is a targeted investment that reaps huge returns: proven outcomes in school and in life. Every child deserves the opportunity for a great start. Pass the Early Start Act with culturally relevant care provisions and funding needed to close the opportunity gap.

The bipartisan Early Start Act (HB 1491/SB 5452)

Sponsored by Rep. Ruth Kagi (D-Seattle) and Sen. Steve Litzow (R-Mercer Island), the Early Start Act aims to expand access to high quality early learning, particularly for children furthest from opportunity.

Children’s Alliance Legislative Champions are state lawmakers recognized by the Children’s Alliance for their outstanding service for children in a specific policy area in a particular legislative session.

Click here to learn about the accomplishments of Champions for Children from 2006 to 2012.

Since the beginning of the recession, the number of Washington state families struggling with hunger has increased sharply. Between 2008 and 2011, 75,000 new households joined the ranks of the hungry, and the rate of hunger in the state is the highest it has ever been. Read our new report.

About Children's Alliance

At the Children’s Alliance, we’re advocates for kids. We ensure that laws, policies and programs work for kids, and we hold our leaders accountable until they secure the resources required to make all children safe and healthy.